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The recent boom in shale oil and natural gas production in the U.S., particularly in the Marcellus Shale region, may hold the key for the country to finally achieve energy independence, energy experts said. "Shale gas, the biggest energy innovation since the start of the new century, has turned what was an imminent shortage in the United States into what may be a hundred-year supply," wrote oil historian Daniel Yergin in his book, "The Quest." Consultancy PFC Energy believes that the U.S. will emerge as the world's top energy producer in eight years as a result of the shale boom.

The American Association of Airport Executives is urging Congress to set aside airlines' objections and pass a proposed increase of the passenger facility charge cap from $4.50 to $8.50. "[I]t's time for Congress to reject airline rhetoric and provide airports with the certainty and flexibility they are seeking to address growing infrastructure needs through a modernized PFC program," said AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli.

Airlines for America will testify on Thursday before a Senate subcommittee hearing on a proposal to hike the Passenger Facility Charge. Airlines oppose an airport plan to nearly double the $4.50 charge, saying that passengers already pay enough taxes and fees.

The U.S. will become the world's top producer of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids by 2020, according to PFC Energy. According to the consulting firm, the U.S. is expected to generate an average of 22 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by that period, with gas comprising about 58% of the figure. Gas from shale formations will help drive that growth, PFC added.

New York-area airports are praising an administration proposal to allow a 56% increase in passenger facility charges, arguing that the money is needed to replace aging terminals at LaGuardia and Newark airports. The increase would be "an essential step to making certain we can continue to invest in critical airport improvements that will increase safety and decrease delays," said Christopher Ward, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. But travelers groups and the Air Transport Association warned that more fees would reduce the demand for air travel. "We believe our passengers are already overburdened," said an ATA spokeswoman. "A typical $300 domestic round-trip ticket includes some $60 in taxes and fees."